Big Spring

Origins and Early History

The history of the city of Big Spring is inextricably linked to its namesake natural spring, which for centuries served as a vital oasis in the arid region of West Texas. Originally known for its healing waters, this location was a gathering point for indigenous peoples, including the Comanche, and an important stop on the trails of early explorers.

The city began to take shape as a permanent settlement in the early 1880s. The official founding date is often considered to be 1881, when the Texas and Pacific Railway reached the area, and a railroad workers' tent camp appeared on the site of the future city.

Key Factors in its Development

The transformation of Big Spring from a temporary stop into a thriving city was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Water Resources: The presence of the "Big Spring" was a critical survival factor in the semi-desert terrain, providing water for people, livestock, and steam locomotives.
• Transportation Infrastructure: The railroad was the main engine of progress. The city was chosen as the site for repair shops and depots, which guaranteed steady jobs and an influx of people.
• Political Status: In 1882, Big Spring was designated as the county seat of Howard County, solidifying its position as a regional leader.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

In its early period, Big Spring's economy relied on a symbiosis of the railroad and agriculture. The city became a major livestock shipping center, serving the numerous ranches that emerged on the surrounding plains. Sheep and cattle ranching were the primary activities for local residents who were not employed by the railroad.

The cultural environment of that time blended the traits of a classic Wild West town and an industrial settlement. It was a place where the paths of cowboys, railroad engineers, and merchants crossed, forming the unique character of the Texas frontier. Early architecture was simple and functional, geared toward the rapid development of commerce along the railway tracks.

• 1849: Captain Randolph B. Marcy marks the "Big Spring" on his map as a strategically important stop on the route to Santa Fe.
• 1881: Construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway reaches the spring, serving as the catalyst for the emergence of a permanent settlement.
• 1882: Big Spring is chosen as the county seat of Howard County, securing its political significance in the region.
• 1907: The city is officially incorporated as a municipality.
• 1926: The discovery of oil fields in the region leads to an economic boom and rapid population growth.
• 1930: The famous Settles Hotel opens its doors—the tallest building in the county at the time and a symbol of the city's success.
• 1936: Big Spring State Park is established, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps to protect the historic spring and scenic Scenic Mountain.
• 1942: Amidst World War II, the US Army Air Forces Bombardier School begins operations, training pilots.
• 1952: The military base resumes operations as Webb Air Force Base, becoming a key employer for local residents.
• 1977: The closure of Webb Air Force Base presents a serious economic challenge, forcing the city to seek new directions for growth.
• 1990: The opening of a Federal Correctional Institution helps stabilize the economy and create new jobs.
• 2012: After a massive and lengthy restoration, the historic Settles Hotel reopens, marking the revival of the city's downtown business district.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

The development of Big Spring is a story of transformation from a campsite by a spring to a modern industrial and transportation hub. The city passed through several key stages, each of which radically changed its economic and architectural landscape.

• Railway Industrialization (1880s). The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway did more than just connect the city to the outside world—it defined its layout. The construction of large repair shops and depots turned Big Spring into the technical center of the region, attracting skilled workers and engineers, which set it apart from neighboring farming settlements.
• The Oil Boom (1920s). The discovery of oil fields in the Permian Basin was a turning point. The construction of an oil refinery (originally Cosden, later Fina/Alon) shifted the economy from agrarian to industrial. This led to a sharp increase in household income and large-scale residential construction.
• Architectural Peak (1930). The construction of the Settles Hotel became a symbol of the city's prosperity even during the Great Depression. The 15-story building, dubbed the "Skyscraper of the Plains," changed the city skyline and cemented Big Spring's status as the business and cultural hub of West Texas.
• The Webb Air Force Base Era (1942–1977). The opening of the military airbase led to a doubling of the population and a significant expansion of urban infrastructure. Military contracts and the presence of thousands of service members and their families stimulated the growth of the service sector, education, and entertainment, shaping the modern look of residential neighborhoods.
• Shift to the Public Sector (1980s–1990s). Following the difficult closure of the airbase, the city successfully adapted by focusing on government institutions. The opening of a federal prison and the expansion of the state hospital helped offset job losses and stabilize the economy, creating a new employment cluster.
• Downtown Revitalization (2010s). The full-scale restoration and reopening of the Settles Hotel in 2012 served as a catalyst for the revival of the historic center. This event stimulated tourism, the opening of new restaurants, and small businesses, bringing life back to the city's old quarters.

Architectural Profile and Urban Planning

The architecture of Big Spring serves as a vivid reflection of its economic history: from a humble railroad settlement to a flourishing oil hub. The city's layout does not follow a single unified style; instead, it is an eclectic mix where every building recalls a specific stage of the region's development. The city's appearance took shape in waves, following various economic upturns.

Key Architectural Eras and Styles

In Big Spring, several key periods can be identified that left their mark in stone and concrete:

• Turn-of-the-Century Commercial Architecture (1890s–1910s).
  Style: Victorian Commercial, Vernacular.
  The historic center has preserved two- and three-story brick buildings constructed along the railroad tracks. These are characterized by decorative cornices, arched windows, and the use of local red brick and sandstone. These structures served as shops and banks, forming the dense facade of the main street.
• The Oil Boom Era (1920s–1930s).
  Style: Art Deco, Neoclassicism.
  This was the most vibrant period in the city's architecture. The influx of oil money allowed for the construction of grand buildings that were skyscrapers by the standards of the Texas backcountry. Strict geometric lines, vertical accents, and decorative elements symbolizing progress became the hallmarks of this time.
• Post-War Modernism (1950s–1960s).
  Style: International Style, Mid-Century Modern.
  With the development of Webb Air Force Base, the city expanded. Administrative buildings from this period, such as the Howard County Courthouse, are distinguished by functionalism, a lack of excessive decoration, the use of glass and concrete, and strict rectangular forms.

Iconic Buildings and Landmarks

Several sites in Big Spring are more than just buildings; they are architectural symbols that define the city's skyline:

• The Settles Hotel. The undisputed landmark and "heart" of the city. This 15-story Art Deco building, completed in 1930, was for a long time the tallest structure between Fort Worth and El Paso. Its stepped silhouette and elegant interior symbolized the wealth of the oil boom era. After a full restoration, the hotel has once again become the architectural anchor of downtown.
• Howard County Courthouse. Built in 1953, it is a striking example of mid-20th-century modernism. The building's clean lines and monumentality emphasize the city's administrative significance in the region.
• Municipal Auditorium. Another example of 1930s architecture, combining elements of classicism and restrained Art Deco. The building was constructed under New Deal programs and still serves as a cultural center today.

Residential Development and Neighborhoods

The urban development of residential areas moved from the center to the periphery. Old neighborhoods surrounding downtown have preserved early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows. Meanwhile, areas that emerged during the airbase's active years (mid-century) are filled with typical American one-story "Ranch-style" houses with wide facades and low-pitched roofs, reflecting the city's increasing car culture and a desire for spaciousness.

Notable Figures Associated with the City

Big Spring has been the birthplace or a significant chapter in the lives of many talented individuals who have achieved success in the arts, sports, and politics. Here are some of the most famous names:

• Betty Buckley — Actress and Singer
  A Broadway legend and Tony Award winner for her iconic role as Grizabella in the musical "Cats." She was born in Big Spring, where she first began to showcase her creative talents before conquering the stages of New York and the screens of Hollywood.
• Stephan Pyles — Chef and Restaurateur
  One of the most influential chefs in the US and the recognized "founding father" of modern Southwestern cuisine. He grew up in Big Spring, where working in his family's truck-stop cafe inspired him to create the culinary masterpieces that made Texas gastronomy famous.
• Ryan Tannehill — NFL Player (Quarterback)
  A well-known professional athlete who built a successful career in the National Football League, playing for the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans. He is a graduate of Big Spring High School, where he was a star for the local team.
• J.J. "Jake" Pickle — US Congressman
  An influential politician who represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 30 years. He played a key role in reforming the Social Security system. He grew up in Big Spring and graduated from the local high school, becoming a source of pride for the city on the national political stage.
• Tony Franklin — NFL Player (Kicker)
  A Big Spring native who made American football history as the "barefoot kicker." He was one of the few players to find success in the league while kicking the ball with a bare foot.
• Bubba Franks — NFL Player (Tight End)
  A three-time Pro Bowl selection, best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers. He began his path to professional sports on the Big Spring High School team.